feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

“If I don’t do what I know I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here.” This is what Aaron Rodgers said back in May after his second OTA practice. Well, the big man predicted it, and now we are seeing the Apples fall in the Big Apple. The latest casualty? GM Joe Douglas. This comes after the Gang Green showed the door to HC Robert Saleh. And the cherry on this sundae of dysfunction? Per recent leaks, Woody Johnson reportedly wanted to bench Rodgers after week 4’s disaster against the BroncosUh-oh! While Johnson might be after the head of who leaked it, this NFL insider puts his head on the spike.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Mike Florio didn’t mince words on the NBC Pro Football Talk. Addressing Woody’s “bench A-Rod” suggestion, Florio pulled no punches, saying, “I forgot he gave them $35 million last year after they traded for him.” Imagine that—Rodgers hands over a cool $35 million to help the Jets bring in talent, and the thanks he gets is a suggestion to warm the bench. Feels like gifting someone a Ferrari and being told to take the bus.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Let’s talk numbers. Rodgers’ reworked contract was supposed to be a win-win for everyone. He slashed $37.5 million from his original Packers deal to give the Jets financial flexibility. That’s how they landed Davante Adams in October. But here’s the kicker: the Jets didn’t insure Rodgers’ deal. So when he tore his Achilles last year, New York ate the full financial hit. Regretful, much? Oh, you bet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Florio went further, roasting Woody for his lack of gratitude: “Give you $35 million, and this is what I get? Disrespected and a jar of honey from the Queen’s Garden?” Rodgers may be smiling on the outside. But don’t think he isn’t keeping receipts. Huh… That’d be naive to think A-Rod isn’t keeping any grudges.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

I mean, you can understand, the Jets are 3-8 and clinging to playoff hopes that are flimsier than their offensive line. On top of that, Rodgers has been far from vintage, with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But benching the guy you built your franchise around? That’s got to be borderline self-sabotage.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

So, what now? Rodgers isn’t one to stay quiet. Whether it’s a subtle shade or a full-blown fallout, you can bet Woody’s comments didn’t sit well. Will Rodgers pull a Houdini and force his way out of New York? Or does it mean hanging his cleats? Hmm…

Will Aaron Rodgers be around for two more seasons… Or is it time?

If we are going by the words of Aaron Rodgers, then, sure, the 40-year-old hinted earlier this year that he could play two, three, maybe even four more seasons. “I’m hopeful I can play two or three or four more years, but you need to have some good fortune in there, too,” he shared. Fair enough. But let’s be real—good fortune hasn’t exactly been a Jets companion this season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rodgers, thankfully, hasn’t faced another major injury after last year’s Achilles debacle. But the hits behind that shaky offensive line? Brutal. Even if the arm strength is still there, his mobility isn’t what it used to be. Watching him limp around after games has fans wondering—how much longer can he keep this up?

But before you draft Rodgers’ farewell card, consider this: retiring now means walking away from $37.5 million in 2025. That’s a big chunk of change. Plus, with Davante Adams locked in for another season, if anything, the thought of it could tempt Rodgers for a last dance. At least, if they decide to do it for their Packers connection…

ADVERTISEMENT

Here’s the thing, though—Rodgers has flirted with retirement more times than Tom Brady has flirted with comebacks. He admitted he was “90 per cent retired” before deciding to suit up for the Jets in 2023. So, who’s to say he won’t surprise us again? These next 6 games, and maybe a soul-searching offseason, will likely decide if he sticks around or heads off into the sunset.

Until then, New York can hold on to what he said, “You need a little good fortune in there, too.” Guess he knows the grind of moving to greener pastures and knowing the right time!

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Syed Talib Haider

1,219 Articles

Syed Talib Haider is the NFL Editor at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience as a sports beat reporter. He began his journey at the outlet covering the NFL, steadily building a strong readership for his in-depth reporting on major events, most notably as a senior writer during Super Bowl LIX, where his coverage helped capture the immediacy and drama of the game. His work during that season led to his promotion to the editorial desk, where he now oversees NFL coverage and guides the outlet’s strategy.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Amit

ADVERTISEMENT